What happens if you get sick while Travelling?

If you or a travel companion gets an injury or sickness that can't be helped with basic first aid or an over-the-counter medicine, seek medical attention right away. Visit Getting Health Care During Travel to learn how to connect with a doctor or medical services during your trip.



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Here are some other places you can turn to for health care while you're traveling.
  1. #1: Nurse hotline. Calling a nurse hotline is a great first step. ...
  2. #2: Virtual care and telehealth. You can't learn the cause of your sickness or get medicine from a nurse hotline. ...
  3. #3: Retail health clinic. ...
  4. #4: Urgent care center.


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Seeking medical attention when sick on vacation can be crucial to a quick and effective recovery. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days, visiting a doctor or hospital may be necessary.

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If a visitor to the U.S. is in need of immediate medical attention, they have a choice between visiting an emergency room or an urgent care clinic. There are very specific reasons for visiting one or the other. Choosing the correct option for your care will ensure that your travel insurance medical claims are approved.

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Most importantly, if you get sick during your travels, get plenty of rest, eat bland foods and drink plenty of water until you feel well enough to resume your vacation itinerary. Medicate moderately.

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Now, if you need to delay your trip for illness, you can usually do so without penalty. Most airlines now allow changes with Economy tickets. When you are well enough to travel, you'll just have to pay the difference in cost for an airline ticket (if there is one for your new dates).

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Check With Your Plan Whether you're looking for doctors in other states or abroad, some insurance companies will offer you doctor access 24/7. Check the app, website, or call. For emergencies, some insurance plans offer medical transport. Even if you wind up not having an emergency, it's better to be safe.

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Traveler's diarrhea (by far the most common risk since it affects up to 80% of international travelers based on the destination) Enterotoxic E. coli diarrhea. Malaria.

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It is recommended that if you have a cold that you do not fly; this should be enforced by airlines in the case of aircrew, and aircrew are required to self-report any symptoms of cold, flu, or similar.

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When we travel our bodies endure a lot of stress, says Gretchen Genato, a nurse practitioner at Cedars-Sinai's Playa Vista Urgent Care. Stress can decrease your immune system, making you susceptible to illness.

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In most countries, you can call 112, the European Union's universal emergency number for ambulance, fire department, or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent that works as well. Or you can ask your hotelier, restaurant host, or whoever's around to call an ambulance (or a taxi for less dire situations).

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More Information for Travelers These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

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PLEASE NOTE: You should avoid flying if your nose is congested from a cold or allergies. In the most severe case, this may lead to a permanent decrease in your hearing, prolonged dizziness, or severe pain.

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Some of the risk factors associated with flying with a fever are: Increased risk of thrombosis. Lack of rest during a flight. Risk of infection for other travelers.

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